When I listen to music, I tend to focus more on the melody or the instruments rather than the lyrics. Because of this, there are times I enjoy a song without really knowing its message. But apparently, not everyone is like that. Of course, it varies from person to person, so it’s not something to stress about, but sometimes when I share music with a friend, they’ll say, “Are you going through something tough lately?” 🤔
“Are you going through something tough lately?”
And then I find myself wondering how to respond. I used to listen to Foster the People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ for a mood lift, but a friend was shocked by it. Just to clarify, it wasn’t the lyrics that got me excited… Aaron Tveit’s ‘I’m Alive’ is another track like that—upbeat to listen to, but the lyrics are a bit chilling. 🎶 After realizing how many people focus on lyrics, I started checking them when recommending songs. But then, it gets tedious, and I end up wanting to keep the music to myself.
On a slightly different note, to breathe life into content, it needs its own story. Quality alone has limits in spreading information. While the quality shines when consumers engage with it, it’s the story that draws them in. A relatable and easily shared story can turn a consumer into a powerful ambassador for your content. This technique applies not just to artistic content but also to product releases and corporate announcements, helping lifeless objects or actions connect with their audience intuitively and emotionally. 🌟
In music, lyrics are part of the process of building the content’s story. Like a drama, they have a narrative, situations, and protagonists. The backstory of creating the song adds richness to its story, much like a framed narrative in a novel. 📖
Of course, sometimes stories can have a negative impact, like the tale behind Kim Kwang-jin’s creation of ‘The Magical Castle’. He got the idea while playing the game ‘Prince of Persia’. I’m a fan of games myself, but hearing such an anecdote tied to such a lyrical piece was a bit disappointing. Now when I listen to the music, I imagine Kim squatting and playing the game (and honestly, he might not be that good at it). 🎮 Lim Chang-jung’s ‘A Glass of Soju’ was made while drinking soju, and after learning that, the song felt a bit plain and soon became boring. Talking about this makes me think stories and anecdotes might not always be the best choice for music. If you want to use storytelling effectively, hiring a professional writer might be a good idea. ✍️
The hit song ‘Linger’ by The Cranberries originally had lyrics written by the first singer, Niall Quinn. However, Dolores O’Riordan, who later became the vocalist, rewrote them, reflecting on her past with a soldier she dated, and the song became a huge success. One wonders what might have happened if the original lyrics had been kept. Either way, the lyrics are quite poignant, so maybe don’t send this song to your girlfriend just because it sounds romantic. 💌
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